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A/c ???

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Old Jul 13, 2011 | 12:14 AM
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Default a/c ???

Never really use the a/c in my 81'....should I just cut the belt ? Any long term side effects in not running the compressor ? Car is weekend, fair weather driver only...

Last edited by mauiwilly; Jul 13, 2011 at 12:27 AM. Reason: spelling
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Old Jul 13, 2011 | 01:09 AM
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If it were me, I would leave it intact, and run it once in a while, they get expensive to replace if ever needed or wanted. My compressor on my 77 locks up when switched on, so I removed the belt, then the alt. belt that runs off the same pully started screamin under load or at hi rpm's, so I put her back on. If you must, just remove it, don't cut it. Just my .02
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Old Jul 13, 2011 | 08:05 AM
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If your a/c works then you should run it once a month for a few minutes even in winter. Keeps the o-rings healthy and happy.
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Old Jul 13, 2011 | 11:15 AM
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There is almost no power drain on the A/C if it is off. And, with the belt still on it, you can run it every now and then to keep the compressor in good condition and seals functional. The only real advantage would be to remove the weight of the A/C system...but then you take a big hit on the future value of the car without the original A/C system.

Just keep it, but don't use it (except to 'exercise' once in a while).
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Old Jul 13, 2011 | 11:38 AM
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Cheaper to keep working in the long run.If its a nice car I would keep it intact.When you sell it you find more people wanting working ac than those that don't.You must live some place cool.It was 100 here yesterday.My 71 didn't have air originally but it dose now.If it wasn't such a nice car I would have passed on it for one that did.
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Old Jul 13, 2011 | 01:29 PM
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I have an 81 and the A/C doesn't work but I still have a belt on it. As said before there is no power loss when it spins free. I do this because I broke an alternator belt and there was nothing else to spin the water pump and I almost overheated it.
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Old Jul 13, 2011 | 02:50 PM
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Thanks all for responses.....the a/c still blows ice cold and is fully operational. Typically when I drive the car the tops are off anyway. I'm up here in Canada so I only have about 6 months of the year of driving pleasure.
I will keep it intact and run every once in awhile.....
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